For years now, the ever-popular television series "Mad Men" has entertained, delighted and revealed some fundamental truths about advertising (not to mention chain smoking and alcoholism).

And while it takes place in the 1960s, it's completely relevant to the business today â€“ trade the boozing for gaming.

Sure, some of the characters are over-the-top drama queens, but for the most part, we in the advertising world are impressed with the American Movie Channel's portrayal of our day-to-day.

And I believe they've done it again.

The latest ad game on AMC, "The Pitch," couldn't be more different from "Mad Men," but it delivers the same sweet fix of great ideas and big business. The show pits two ad agencies against one another in an all-out fight to win a piece of business from a high-profile client.

The first two episodes, which premiered this past Monday, featured Waste Management and Subway Restaurants as clients.Â

In each episode, the producers attempt to reveal some insight into the agencies â€“ from internal conflict to unique perspectives to sheer enthusiasm. Obviously, telling the story of ad folks gearing up to present ideas worthy of winning business takes a little longer than an hour, so much of it is over-simplified and glossed over. However, the spirit of the process, the stress of growing a business and varying degrees of ego are spot-on.

So, hooray for the ad man, or woman. We've positioned ourselves even further away from the sappy, over-sensitive 30-something days, and for the first time in my career, my parents are finally beginning to understand what I do for a living.

No, Ma, I don't have a bottle of scotch in my desk drawer and I haven't slept with my secretary, but I will never stop trying to come up with the best ideas and win some sweet, sweet business.

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There are moments in time when one convention comes to an end and another begins. For instance, in the beginning of the 20th century there was a point where cars outnumbered horses. And within that transition there were a lot uncomfortable changes. Horse traders lost jobs, car dealers got jobs and the smell of horse poop was replaced with exhaust.

Do a Google search for "1920s baseball crowd" and you'll find some wonderful things: The innocence of a bygone era, a haunting reminder of our mortality and a lot of guys wearing hats. Hats, for crying out loud.

I've been hesitant to write this blog for the following reasons: 1. I love the brands I'm talking about and want them to succeed. 2. It goes against my mom's advice of, "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all." But my frustration level is at orange and I may need a little venting.

Okay, you've been on a car trip. You drive to Indianapolis or Columbus or wherever and when you get out of the car to fill up, the temperature is very different since the last time you were out. Especially driving North to South or vice versa, the temp varies from stop to stop - but NOT on a motorcycle.

Michael Stodola is on a Harley road trip and today's blog is from Memphis where he attends a BBQ festival. "Memphis in May" is not unlike a Milwaukee Festival except there are hundreds of people busily cooking the best BBQ of their lives.

In the words of Billy Corgan, "Today is the greatest day I've ever known." Yes, a little over the top, but still, it was nothing to shake a stick at.The weather was with us, the guys are funny, interesting and thoughtful and my first big road trip has revealed some insight I now carry like valued possessions. Some small and some large, but all true.

As culture hounds, we're fascinated by corporate America - or at least what goods they have tossed out to the masses. Mega products like the iPhone, the Mini Cooper or the Black Eyed Peas have such power, they blur the lines between individuality and conformity. Do you own an iPhone because you did the research and found it met your needs, or because it was the hottest accessory going?

About Michael Stodola

His short attention span mixed with his appreciation for nearly everything has his passions stretching from branding expertise, art direction and design, to furniture making, motorcycling and scuba diving.

His kids are number one in his life, followed closely by his lovely wife, Janet.

He's obsessed with Anthony Bourdain, his Harley-Davidson Road King and anything written by Chuck Klosterman.